“This is very much about extending our waste collection service, about finding ways to further improve our recycling rate here in Erewash. We know there are people in the borough who have asked to use their brown bin for recycling all year round – well, this gives them that chance.

“We hope those who apply for this will increase the amount of waste they recycle. We all have our part to play.”

The latest figures for Erewash show that around 12 per cent of waste disposed of in the black bin is recyclable – the equivalent to around 3,000 tonnes of recyclable material being sent to landfill every year.

Diverting as much of this material as possible into the recycling stream would go towards significantly improving recycling figures for Erewash.

It is hoped that offering the chance to change the brown bin to a blue-lidded bin for recyclable waste will appeal to residents who have no gardening to do and that it will encourage those who take part in the trial to recycle more.

Anyone interested in the scheme can apply now by calling the council on 0115 907 2244.